How Donors Can Help Hurricane Relief Efforts in the Southeast

Florida’s Gulf Coast, still reeling from the destruction of Hurricane Helene, is now reckoning with the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Milton. A category 3 hurricane at the time of landfall, Milton’s path has resulted in strong winds, storm surges and tornadoes across communities across Central Florida this week.

In the days following Hurricane Helene’s landfall, donors at National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) responded quickly and in large numbers. Over five hundred grant recommendations have been made to date, totaling more than $3 million in critical support* to nonprofits and community foundations at work in affected regions.

With millions displaced and the widespread scope of the damage still being assessed, communities in the region are in need of support. DAF donors are uniquely situated to provide a rapid response in the face of challenges, and the need right now is significant.

For NPT donors looking to help the region respond to these natural disasters, we are updating our recommended list of nonprofits and local community foundations at work in the affected areas. By tapping into the expertise of organizations already working with the people affected by natural disasters, donors can lend support quickly and efficiently where it is most needed. If your employer manages employee giving efforts, consider checking to see if they offer a match for donations.

Donors can consider the following organizations, which are immediately serving those directly impacted and working on long-term recovery efforts in Florida, North Carolina and across the region:

The Volunteer Florida Foundation (EIN 01-0973168) is assisting Florida’s communities in responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters.

Community Foundation Tampa Bay (EIN 59-3001853) is connecting the community to urgent resources, including a Critical Needs List and the Tampa Bay Rapid Response Fund.

Feeding Tampa Bay (EIN 59-2116576) is providing food and resources by working with local businesses, farmers and other partners in the Tampa Bay region.

The Humane Society of Pinellas (EIN 59-0781650) is providing shelter, foster care and healthcare for homeless, abandoned and at-risk animals in the region.

Team Rubicon (EIN 27-1720480) is responding with route and road clearance teams in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.

North Carolina Community Foundation (EIN 58-1661700) has set up a Disaster Relief Fund to address immediate health, humanitarian and safety needs in western North Carolina. 

Community Foundation of Western NC (EIN 13-1837418) serves the 18 counties of Western North Carolina including the Qualla Boundary. They have activated an Emergency and Disaster Relief Fund to aid in coordinated response efforts.

Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund (EIN 62-0807696) is managed by the East Tennessee Foundation and will provide prompt and effective grants to empower local nonprofits and agencies to rescue and recover their communities.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (EIN 45-5257937) oversees the Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund, which continually supports disaster relief in the United States, including long-term recovery and resilience.

World Central Kitchen (EIN 27-3521132) provides fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises. Teams are currently in four states serving meals and assessing food needs for communities in the southeastern United States.